Hhla2 as a novel inhibitor of human immune system and uses thereof

Abstract

Provided are methods of treating an autoimmune disease in a subject, or of suppressing transplant rejection in a subject, or of treating a cancer in a subject, as well as compositions therefor.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of attenuating HHLA2 inhibition of a CD4 cell proliferation or of a CD8 T cell proliferation or of a T cell cytokine production in a subject comprising administering an anti-HHLA2 antibody, or HHLA2-binding fragment thereof, to the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CD4 cell proliferation or a CD8 T cell proliferation is TCR-mediated. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CD4 cell proliferation is attenuated or inhibited. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CD8 cell proliferation is attenuated or inhibited. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the T cell cytokine production is attenuated or inhibited. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the HHLA2 to which the anti-HHLA2 antibody is directed is a human HHLA2 protein. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the HHLA2 protein comprises consecutive amino acid residues having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody or an isolated human antibody. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-HHLA2 antibody or HHLA2-binding fragment is conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, an anti-cancer drug or a chemotherapeutic agent.